A fine example of classic restraint, this solid silver biscuit box was fashioned in Amsterdam in 1881, the tray produced for it in 1919. (Yes, the biscuits are NutterButters, a secret passion...) Box is about 5-5/8 inches in diameter, three inches high; tray is seven inches in diameter, 3/4 inch high. Weight of the two pieces is about 20 ounces. Superb condition!

The central portion of this fine Russian silver salver displays a highly detailed, swirling arabesque design. Marks indicate that it was made in Moscow in 1854, maker "AK." Approximately 5-1/2 inches in diameter and in excellent condition.

Portraying the "Star of France" accompanied by two smaller craft, this is a superb tribute to the famous three-master. Built in 1877, her history brought her through many glorious transformations, including berths in San Francisco and a late stint as an Alaskan
fishing ship before she was destroyed in the first years of World War II. Late Nineteenth Century, approximately 23 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches deep. Excellent, fit condition.

Of fine quality Paris porcelain dressing table set of eight pieces: a rectangular tray, a pair of candlesticks, a pair of bottles, two covered jars and a ring tree, all hand-painted in a rare design of colorful pheasant feathers. Condition is fine but for stabilized damage to the larger jar. For scale, the tray is around 6-1/4 inches by 8-1/2 inches, the sticks about 4-3/4 inches tall.

Gowned in court finery and garlanded in flowers, the Goddess Flora steps into a glade of poppy capsules (?) surrounded by stylized floral borders -- beauty in full bloom! Approximately 18-1/2 inches by 21-1/2 inches and in excellent condition, this superb example of wool-and-silk needlework might once have graced a noble seat-back or fire screen, French, late Seventeenth Century to early Eighteenth Century.

A golden phoenix has flown into a flowering tree and looks into a garden below where a chrysanthemum bush blossoms forth from a mystical rock. The poetry of this scene discloses a hidden reference to the ancient imperial lineage: the fortuitous phoenix, prime creature of the air hovers protectively over the sixteen-petaled chrysanthemum, the kiku, symbol of the Imperial house...

Approximately seven inches by three inches, this handsome repousse and finely cast silver reliquary consists of a hinged frame attached to a rococo handle. The hinged front opens to contain a relic or painting (there is now a mirror.) The tourgha mark of quality is about nine o'clock on the back of the main body, although it is hard to find in the elaborate working of the rococo work.

Elegantly graceful and in beautiful condition, this rare pair of classical sterling silver cups bear hallmarks that indicate that they were created by a Lisbon silversmith at the end of the Eighteenth Century. In crisp condition, the bright-cut engravings depict floral festoons encircling a frontal oval blank (never engraved!) topped by a basket of flowers. Approximately 3-1/4 inches at the widest point and 2-5/8 inches high, they weigh a bit over six ounces Troy.

This early tea bowl (chawan) or noodle cup (soba choko) is decorated in classic style with a single chevron on two sides and stripes and indented spaces on the others. There are gold lacquer repairs to five rim chips and a single crack. Approximately 3-5/8 inches high by 3-1/2 inches wide and deep. Japan, circa 1600.

This handsome 10-1/4-inch plate features a highly romanticized lakeside scene of Pomerania, with two ladies in local costume meeting near a mill. They are accompanied by a lanky dog, clearly not your standard Pomeranian. The borders are finely executed neo-rococo, with roses and lace and pearls. Approximately 10-1/4 inches in diameter, the Piece is in excellent condition and retains an old sticker saying that it came from someone's grandmother in about 1780...

Carved in very rare lustrous huanghuali this holder for joss sticks was fashioned from the heavy and now extinct "silver rosewood" in the form of a sacred lotus blossom, sacred to the Buddha and symbol of transcendental purity rising from the mire below. Approximately seven inches tall and eight inches in diameter at the widest point, it is in excellent condition.

After years of standing in for his sick father, years of impatience and excess, HRH the Prince Regent finally succeeded to the throne with the death of his father, "Mad" King George III, in 1820. This splendid little likeness in gleaming rich ormolu, based on the official -- and quite flattering -- full-length coronation portrait by Sir Thomas Laurence (1821.) With outstanding detail, considering that its full size with plinth is only 3-14 inches! The condition is also remarkable.

Finely carved in lustrous nephrite, soft green with a bluish tone, this figure of the Immortal Hotai shows the chubby god stepping forward, a branch over his shoulder that is ready to blossom into prosperity for its receiver. In superb condition, the figure is approximately 3-1/4 inches tall by 2-1/4 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches deep. Chinese, late Eighteenth Century to early Nineteenth Century.

These two old specimens of the dramatic volcanic conglomerate, septarian nodule, have long been used for display of antique bronzes. Each is approximately 3-1/3 inches in diameter,one about 1-1/4 inches high, the other about 1-5/8 inches high.Both are polished to a soft luster.